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It started with a Twitter post by Malaysia Digital Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) President Chris Daniel Wong of an authorization letter from the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI). The photo was probably taken from the front of a Louis Vuitton store in Bukit Bintang.

In the letter, Wong called MITI and its minister, Datuk Seri Azmin Ali, asking if the letter is real and that Louis Vuitton can operate as it is considered an “essential service”.

Its supporters were quick to explain how essential purchasing luxury goods is for the upper class. Some even said that Louis Vuitton got away with paying high taxes.

Or how about Louis Vuitton bags as reusable shopping bags.

The same image gained traction on Reddit with the post titled “Louis Vuitton declared ‘essential service’ by MITI.” Echoing the assertions of the MDCC president.

In response, the Twitter account of the Department of Home Trade and Consumer Affairs (KPDNHEP) pointed out that Louis Vuitton not only had its own online platform, but also applied for a permit through the Covid intelligent management system. -19 (CIMS) as part of the -dagang (e-commerce) category.

The KPDNHEP also noted that businesses registered as e-commerce can still trade in essential and non-essential services and that “no one is allowed to enter the store except the delivery service to collect the ordered goods. by customers “.

In other words, Louis Vuitton uses its store as a warehouse during Movement Control Order (MCO) 3.0 and nowhere in the letter is it mentioned that it is “essential”.

Of course, the explanation was not accepted by everyone.

Wong says Louis Vuitton (Malaysia) should operate from a warehouse, using its store in a mall as storage to send the wrong message and no one reading the fine print.

Wong questions MITI’s approval process since the start of MCO 3.0 and calls for the ministry to consult with state authorities to verify companies seeking permission to operate during the lockdown.

“We have received reports that some non-essential businesses have been allowed to operate after providing inaccurate information,” he said.

“While barber shops and hair salons are not allowed to open, manufacturers such as wood processing companies have been given permission to operate. I don’t see how these companies can be categorized as essential services, ”Wong added in an interview with Bernama TV on“ Ruang Bicara ”last week.

What do you think? Are Wong’s claims correct? What are the essential services during MCO 3.0? Check out our translation of the Total Lockdown SOP and let us know your findings.

READ MORE: [UPDATED] MKN’s official Total Lockdown MCO SOP effective June 1, 2021.

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